Pima County opposes sale of 160 acres of state trust land | Local News

TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – Pima County is standing firm against the sale of 160 acres of State Trust land in the Santa Rita Mountains to Copper World, Inc. for mine tailings.

The county, along with groups like the Tohono O’odham Nation, has voiced concerns over the environmental impact, including potential harm to groundwater and natural resources.

Despite this opposition in 2023, the Board of Appeals approved the sale. Pima County Administrator Jan Lesher is urging a meeting with State Land Commissioner Robyn Sahid to discuss the matter further.

According to a memorandum, Pima County was not officially notified of the recent Board of Appeals agenda, but did learn about it from the nonprofit Save the Scenic Santa Ritas.

The county’s stance is that the sale conflicts with the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan. Copper World, Inc. had previously declined to purchase additional land for mitigation.

Pima County hopes for a reconsideration of the sale, similar to the attention given to the Resolution Copper Mine proposal.